Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy makes some helpful suggestions. As he acknowledged, I have not sought to deny the fact that there have been reductions in staffing as a consequence of the general cuts in health services. The Deputy is well aware of the background to that with regard to the overall spending it is possible to make available to the health services. It has been a real problem. I am glad to report that a decision has been made to recruit an additional dental surgeon. The post has yet to be filled but I am hopeful it can be filled in early course.

What the Deputy said generally about the need for dental services, treatment and checks is well taken. I am very conscious of the point he makes about teenage children. He is absolutely correct about its importance and I will take on board the suggestion he made towards the end of his contribution. We do not want to have anomalies arising between different counties if they can be avoided.

See this speech in context